Physics Electronics PMDC Conceptual Practice
PMDC Verified Question 125 of 494
How does increasing the dopant concentration in both the P and N regions affect the width of the depletion layer in a PN junction?
A
The width decreases significantly
B
The width increases exponentially
C
The width remains entirely unchanged
D
The width first expands then stabilizes
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: The width decreases significantly
Concept:

Heavier doping provides a higher density of uncompensated ions per unit volume near the junction, satisfying the built-in potential barrier across a narrower physical distance.

Formula:

$$W = \sqrt{\frac{2 \epsilon_s V_0}{q} \left( \frac{1}{N_A} + \frac{1}{N_D} \right)} \propto \frac{1}{\sqrt{N_{\text{doping}}}}$$

Solution:

  • As doping levels \( N_A \) and \( N_D \) increase, the required space-charge is established within a very narrow region close to the metallurgical interface.


  • Therefore, heavier doping results in a thinner (narrower) depletion layer.


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option B: Depletion width is inversely related to doping concentration; it narrows rather than expands.
  • Option C: Depletion width depends strongly on doping density.
  • Option D: The width decreases monotonically with increasing dopant concentration.

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